According to Joliet police, a tragic incident occurred early Monday morning in the southern suburbs, where a 40-year-old man fatally shot his wife before ending his own life.
Police responded just before 5:50 a.m. to the 1800-block of Burshire Court in Plainfield for a report of gunfire at a home in the area.
When police arrived, they found the man, Ryan Heit, dead in the yard of the home, with what appeared to be a fatal self-inflicted gunshot wound.
They found a 40-year-old woman, Jennifer Heit, with a fatal gunshot wound in the garage.
Four children between the ages of 3 and 16 were found unharmed in the home, police said. A family member has taken them in.
Police said the man appeared to have shot and killed his wife before taking his own life outside.
A gun was recovered.
Police continue to investigate the shooting.
Some roads appeared to be closed in the area.
Families in the area are shocked and shaken.
One woman said she heard arguing coming from the home shortly before 6 a.m., then, minutes later, gunshots.
“Neighbors reported that they heard a dispute in the early morning hours. They informed me that this wasn’t the first time the couple had been arguing—it had been ongoing for about a week. One neighbor heard a gunshot followed by much screaming, then another shot—it was over,” shared neighbor Sean Cochran. “It’s incredibly sad and challenging. We’re going to keep them in our prayers; it’s the least we can do. When my wife and daughter return home, I’ll hold them a bit closer tonight. Of course, I’ll pray for the children and for our neighborhood.”
Anyone with information related to the incident is asked to call the Joliet Police Department Investigation Division at 815-724-3020.
If you or someone you know is facing suicidal thoughts, substance use issues, or other mental health challenges, please reach out by calling or texting the new three-digit code, 988, to connect with a trained crisis counselor available at no cost, 24/7. You can also visit 988lifeline.org or call the existing toll-free number 800-273-8255 [TALK].
You can contact the Illinois domestic violence hotline at 1-877-863-6338 click here for more information.
For those affected by domestic violence in Kendall or Will Counties, assistance is accessible through the Guardian Angel Community Services Groundwork Domestic Violence Program at 815-729-1228 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.
